Sole structure with chevron traction elements

ABSTRACT

A sole structure includes an outsole having a forefoot region, a heel region, and a midfoot region between the heel region and the forefoot region. The outsole extends along the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region, and the outsole includes a first zone having a plurality of first chevron traction elements, a second zone having a plurality of second chevron traction elements, and a third zone having a plurality of third chevron traction elements. The first chevron traction elements are oriented along a first substantially common orientation vector. The second chevron traction elements are oriented along a second substantially common orientation vector. The third chevron traction elements are oriented along a third substantially common orientation vector.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a sole structure for an article of footwear. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a sole structure with chevron traction elements.

BACKGROUND

Footwear typically includes a sole configured to be located under a wearer's foot to space the foot away from the ground or floor surface. Soles can be designed to provide a desired level of cushioning. The ground contact surface of the article of footwear can be configured for durability.

SUMMARY

During a golf swing, it is desirable to minimize spin of at least one foot during the backswing and downswing in order to maximize accuracy and distance when hitting a golf ball. To this end, the presently disclosed sole structure can be used with an article of footwear, such as a golf shoe, for minimizing rotation of at least one foot during the backswing and downswing stages of a golf swing. In certain embodiments, the sole structure of the article of footwear incudes an outsole having a forefoot region, a heel region, and a midfoot region between the heel region and the forefoot region. The outsole extends along the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region, and the outsole includes a first zone having a plurality of first chevron traction elements, a second zone having a plurality of second chevron traction elements, and a third zone having a plurality of third chevron traction elements. The first chevron traction elements are oriented along a first substantially common orientation vector, and the first substantially common orientation vector defines a first angle relative to a ground plane. In the present disclosure the term “substantially common orientation vectors” refers to vectors that are substantially parallel to each other. The second chevron traction elements are oriented along a second substantially common orientation vector, and the second substantially common orientation vector defines a second angle relative to the ground plane. The third chevron traction elements are oriented along a third substantially common orientation vector, and the third substantially common orientation vector defines a third angle relative to the ground plane. The first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are different from one another such that the first chevron traction elements, the second chevron traction elements, and the third chevron traction elements collectively inhibit rotation of the sole structure about the ground plane. In this embodiment, the spatial arrangement of the chevron traction elements with respect to the outsole prevents the wearer's toe from slipping outwardly and the wearer's heel from slipping inwardly during a golf swing.

“A,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., are used descriptively for the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the present teachings, as defined by the claims.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of a component (e.g., an upper or sole structure). In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the component. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of a component. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral and longitudinal direction. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. Additionally, the term “inner” refers to a portion of an article disposed closer to an interior of an article, or closer to a foot when the article is worn. Likewise, the term “outer” refers to a portion of an article disposed farther from the interior of the article or from the foot. Thus, for example, the inner surface of a component is disposed closer to an interior of the article than the outer surface of the component. This detailed description makes use of these directional adjectives in describing an article and various components of the article, including an upper, a midsole structure and/or an outer sole structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, side view of an article of footwear including a sole structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, bottom view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic, top view of a chevron traction element of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic, side view of the chevron traction element shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic, bottom view of the article of footwear in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a sole structure 12 for an article of footwear 10. The article of footwear 10 further includes a footwear upper 14 (FIG. 1) secured to the sole structure 12. As a non-limiting example, the article of footwear 10 may be a golf shoe 11. The sole structure 12 includes an outsole 16 configured to contact the ground and a midsole 17 disposed between the outsole 16 and the upper 14. The midsole 17 may be wholly or partly made of compressed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam to provide lightweight comfort and stability. Additionally, the sole structure 12 may include an insole disposed over the midsole to provide additional cushioning.

For purposes of reference, the outsole 16 extends along a ground plane G (FIG. 2) and has a heel region 18, a midfoot region 20, and a forefoot region 22. The ground plane G is defined along the longitudinal direction LD and the lateral direction LT. As discussed above, the longitudinal direction refers to a direction extending a length of a component (e.g., an upper or sole structure). In some cases, the longitudinal direction LD may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the component. The lateral direction LT refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of a component. The midfoot region 20 is between the heel region 18 and the forefoot region 22. For purposes of discussion, the heel region 18, the midfoot region 20, and the forefoot region 22 are defined as the rearmost third, the middle third, and the foremost third of the outsole 16, respectively. The heel region 18 generally includes portions of the outsole 16 corresponding with rear portions of a human foot including the calcaneus bone and of a size corresponding with the outsole 16 and article of footwear 10. The forefoot region 22 generally includes portions of the outsole 16 corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges of the human foot of the size corresponding with the outsole 16 and article of footwear 10. The midfoot region 20 generally includes portions of the outsole 16 corresponding with an arch area of the human foot of the size corresponding with the outsole and article of footwear 10. Accordingly, the midfoot region 20 is also referred to as the outsole arch region.

As used herein, a lateral side of a component for the article of footwear 10, such as an lateral edge 24 of the outsole 16, is a side that corresponds with the side of the foot of the wearer of the article of footwear 10 that is generally further from the other foot of the wearer (i.e., the side closer to the fifth toe of the wearer). The fifth toe is commonly referred to as the little toe. A medial side of a component for the article of footwear 10, such as a medial edge 26 of the outsole 16, is the side that corresponds with an inside area of the foot of the wearer and is generally closer to the other foot of the wearer (i.e., the side closer to the hallux of the foot of the wearer). The hallux is commonly referred to as the big toe. The lateral edge 24 and the medial edge 26 both extend around the periphery of the outsole 16 from the foremost edge 28 to the rearmost edge 30 of the outsole 16. The ground plane G is between the lateral edge 24 and the medial edge 24 of the outsole 16.

The outsole 16 includes an outsole body 32. The outsole body 32 can be a single-piece or unitary structure to enhance its structural integrity and can be manufactured using an insert molding process. The material for the outsole body 32 may be selected to provide a desirable combination of durability and flexibility. For example, the outsole body 32 may be wholly or partly made of a thermoplastic, such as a thermoplastic rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or other suitably durable material. As a non-limiting example, the outsole body 32 is wholly or partly made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The outsole body 32 may be wholly or partly made of a transparent material. The outsole body 32 extends along the heel region 18, the midfoot region 20, and the forefoot region 22 and defines a ground-facing surface 33 for engaging the ground.

The outsole 16 includes a plurality of zones Z (e.g., first zone A, second zone B, third zone C, fourth zone D, and fifth zone E) covering the majority of the ground-facing surface 33 to minimize spin of at least one foot during the backswing and downswing stages of a golf swing. In the depicted embodiment, the outsole 16 includes five zones Z, but it is contemplated that the outsole 16 may have at least three zones Z. Regardless of the quantity, each zone Z has a plurality of chevron traction elements 34 each having a substantially common orientation vector V within the respective zone Z to minimize spin of at least one foot during the backswing and downswing in order to maximize accuracy and distance when hitting a golf ball. The orientation vectors V of the different zones Z revolve around a centroid location CN provided in the midfoot region 20 in the rotational direction indicated by arrow R. The orientation vectors V of the different zones Z allow the chevron traction elements 34 to inhibit the foot from spinning during the backswing and downswing of a golf swing while it facilitates rolling the foot during the follow through of the golf swing, thereby maximizing the accuracy and distance when hitting a golf ball.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the chevron traction elements has a chevron-shape and includes a first leg 36 a and a second leg 36 b directly connected to each other at an apex 42. The first leg 36 a and the second leg 36 b are obliquely angled relative to each other and have the same length in order to improve stability of the sole structure 12. Each of the first leg 36 a and the second leg 36 b includes a first leg end or terminus 40 a and a second leg end or terminus 40 b. The second leg ends 40 b of the first leg 36 a and the second leg 36 b are directly connected to each other at the apex 42 to enhance the structural stability of the chevron traction element 34. The height H of the chevron traction element 34 increases from a minimum height at the first leg end 40 a to a maximum height at the second leg end 40 b (i.e., the apex 42) in order to maximize the grip to the ground. Each chevron traction element 34 is symmetrical along a bisecting plane S and defines an orientation vector V about the bisecting plane S. The orientation vector V and the bisecting plane S intersect the apex 42 of the chevron traction element 34. Further, the orientation vector V and the bisecting plane S also bisect the oblique angle θ defined between the first leg 36 a and the second leg 36 b of the chevron traction element 34.

With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sole structure includes a first zone A, a second zone B, a third zone C, a fourth zone D, and a fifth zone E covering most of the surface area of the ground-facing surface 33. Each of the a first zone A, a second zone B, a third zone C, a fourth zone D, and a fifth zone E are continuous zones Z without gaps.

The first zone A only includes a plurality of first chevron traction elements 34 a each having a first substantially common orientation vector V1. In the present disclosure, the term “common orientations” refers to the projection of the vector onto the ground plane G. In other words, all the first chevron traction elements 34 a disposed within the first zone A have the first substantially common orientation vector V1. The first orientation vector V1 defines a first angle α relative to the ground plane G and is oriented toward the lateral edge 24. In the depicted embodiment, the first angle α is oblique relative to the ground plane G. The first zone A extends from the lateral edge 24 to the medial edge 26 and is provided within the forefoot region 22. In the depicted embodiment, the entirety of the first zone A is disposed within the forefoot region 22.

The second zone B only includes a plurality of second chevron traction elements 34 b each having a second substantially common orientation vector V2. In other words, all the second chevron traction elements 34 b disposed within the second zone B have the second substantially common orientation vector V2. The second substantially common orientation vector V2 defines a second angle θ relative to the ground plane G. The second angle θ is different from the first angle α and is oblique relative to the ground plane G. The second zone B extends from the lateral edge 24 toward the medial edge 26 and is closer to the lateral edge 24 than to the medial edge 26. In the depicted embodiment, the entirety of the second zone B is closer to the lateral edge 24 than to the medial edge 26. The second zone B is at least partially located in the midfoot region 20. The second substantially common orientation vector V2 is oriented toward the medial edge 26.

The third zone C only includes a plurality of third chevron traction elements 34 c each having a third substantially common orientation vector V3. In other words, all the third chevron traction elements 34 c disposed within the third zone C have the third substantially common orientation vectors V3. Each of the third substantially common orientation vectors V3 defines a third angle γ relative to the ground plane G. The third angle γ is different from the first angle α and the second angle β. Further, the third angle γ is substantially perpendicular to the ground plane G. The third zone C extends from the lateral edge 24 toward the medial edge 26. The third zone C is provided within the heel region 18. In the depicted embodiment, the entirety of the third zone C is closer to the lateral edge 24 than to the medial edge 26. The third zone B is at least partially located in the heel region 18. The substantially common orientation vectors V3 are oriented toward the medial edge 26.

The fourth zone D only includes a plurality of fourth chevron traction elements 34 d each having a fourth common orientation vector V4. In other words, all the fourth chevron traction elements 34 d disposed within the fourth zone D have the fourth common orientation vector V4. The fourth orientation vector V4 defines a fourth angle δ relative to the ground plane G. The fourth angle δ is oblique relative to the ground plane G and is different from the first oblique angle α, the second oblique angle β, and the third oblique angle γ. The fourth zone D extends from the medial edge 26 toward the lateral edge 24. In the depicted embodiment, the entirety of the fourth zone B is closer to the medial edge 26 than to the lateral edge 24. The fourth zone D is located in the heel region 18 and is closer to the medial edge 26 than to the lateral edge 24. The fourth substantially common orientation vectors V4 are oriented toward the medial edge 26.

The fifth zone E only includes a plurality of fifth chevron traction elements 34 e each having a fifth common orientation vector V5. In other words, all the fifth chevron traction elements 34 e disposed within the fifth zone E have the fifth common orientation vector V5. The fifth orientation vector V5 defines a fifth angle c relative to the ground plane G. The fifth angle is oblique relative to the ground plane G and is different from the first oblique angle α, the second oblique angle β, the third oblique angle γ, and the fourth oblique angle δ. The fifth zone E extends from the medial edge 26 toward the lateral edge 24. In the depicted embodiment, the entirety of the fifth zone B is closer to the medial edge 26 than to the lateral edge 24. The fifth zone D is at least partially located in the midfoot region 16

The orientations and locations of the first chevron traction elements 34 a, the second chevron traction elements 34 b, third chevron traction elements 34 c, fourth chevron traction elements 34 d, and the fifth chevron traction elements 34 e in the outsole 16 assists in minimizing the spin of at least one foot during the backswing and downswing in order to maximize accuracy and distance when hitting a golf ball for a left-handed golfer. It is envisioned, however, that the orientation vector V may be oriented in an opposite direction, as shown in FIG. 5, to minimize spin during the golf swing of a right-handed golfer.

While the best modes for carrying out the teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the teachings within the scope of the appended claims. The article of footwear 10 and sole structure 12 illustratively disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the characteristics of various embodiments mentioned in the present description are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each of the characteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment can be combined with one or a plurality of other desired characteristics from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not described in words or by reference to the drawings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: an outsole having a forefoot region, a heel region, and a midfoot region between the heel region and the forefoot region, wherein the outsole extends along the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region, and the outsole includes: a first zone having a plurality of first chevron traction elements, wherein the first chevron traction elements are oriented along a first substantially common orientation vector, the first substantially common orientation vector defines a first angle relative to a ground plane; a second zone having a plurality of second chevron traction elements, wherein the second chevron traction elements are oriented along a second substantially common orientation vector, the second substantially common orientation vector defines a second angle relative to the ground plane; a third zone having a plurality of third chevron traction elements, wherein the third chevron traction elements are oriented along a third substantially common orientation vector, the third substantially common orientation vector defines a third angle relative to the ground plane; and wherein the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are different from one another such that the first chevron traction elements, the second chevron traction elements, and the third chevron traction elements collectively inhibit rotation of the sole structure about the ground plane.
 2. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the outsole defines a medial edge and a lateral edge, the first zone is provided within the forefoot region, the first substantially common orientation vector is oriented toward the medial edge, the second zone is provided within the midfoot region, and the second substantially common orientation vector oriented toward the medial edge.
 3. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein the outsole defines a medial edge and a lateral edge, the second zone is provided within the midfoot region and the heel region, and the second substantially common orientation vector oriented toward the lateral edge.
 4. The sole structure of claim 3, wherein the third zone is provided within the heel region, the third substantially common vector is oriented toward the medial edge, and the outsole further includes a fourth zone having a plurality of fourth chevron traction elements, the fourth chevron traction elements are oriented along a fourth substantially common orientation vector, and the fourth substantially common orientation vector defines a fourth angle relative to the ground plane.
 5. The sole structure of claim 4, wherein the first angle, the second angle, and fourth angle are each oblique relative to the ground plane.
 6. The sole structure of claim 5, wherein the outsole further includes a fifth zone having a plurality of fifth chevron traction elements, the fifth chevron traction elements are oriented along a fifth substantially common orientation vector, the fifth substantially common orientation vector defines a fifth angle relative to the ground plane, and the fifth angle is different from the fourth angle.
 7. The sole structure of claim 6, wherein the fifth zone is located in the midfoot region and is closer to the medial edge than to the lateral edge.
 8. The sole structure of claim 4, wherein the third angle is substantially perpendicular to the ground plane.
 9. The sole structure of claim 4, wherein the first zone extends from the lateral edge to the medial edge.
 10. The sole structure of claim 4, wherein the second zone is at least partially arranged on the midfoot region and is closer to the later edge than to the medial edge.
 11. The sole structure of claim 4, wherein the third zone is located in the heel region and is closer to the lateral edge than to the medial edge.
 12. The sole structure of claim 4, wherein the fourth zone is arranged on the heel region and is closer to the medial edge than to the lateral edge.
 13. An article of footwear, comprising an upper; a sole structure coupled to the upper, wherein the sole structure includes: an outsole having a forefoot region, a heel region, and a midfoot region between the heel region and the forefoot region, wherein the outsole extends along the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region, and the outsole includes: a first zone having a plurality of first chevron traction elements, wherein the first chevron traction elements are oriented along a first substantially common orientation vector, the first substantially common orientation vector defines a first angle relative to a ground plane; a second zone having a plurality of second chevron traction elements, wherein the second chevron traction elements are oriented along a second substantially common orientation vector, the second substantially common orientation vector defines a second angle relative to the ground plane; a third zone having a plurality of third chevron traction elements, wherein the third chevron traction elements are oriented along a third substantially common orientation vector, the third substantially common orientation vector defines a third angle relative to the ground plane; and wherein the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are different from one another such that the first chevron traction elements, the second chevron traction elements, and the third chevron traction elements collectively inhibit rotation of the sole structure about the ground plane.
 14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the outsole defines a medial edge and a lateral edge, the first zone is provided within the forefoot region, and the first substantially common orientation vector is oriented toward the medial edge.
 15. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the outsole defines a medial edge and a lateral edge, the second zone is provided within the midfoot region, and the second substantially common orientation vector oriented toward the lateral edge.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the third zone is provided within the heel region, the third substantially common vector is oriented toward the medial edge, and the outsole further includes a fourth zone having a plurality of fourth chevron traction elements, the fourth chevron traction elements are oriented along a fourth substantially common orientation vector, and the fourth substantially common orientation vector defines a fourth angle relative to the ground plane.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the first angle, the second angle, and fourth angle are each oblique relative to the ground plane.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the outsole further includes a fifth zone having a plurality of fifth chevron traction elements, the fifth chevron traction elements are oriented along a fifth substantially common orientation vector, the fifth substantially common orientation vector defines a fifth angle relative to the ground plane, and the fifth angle is different from the fourth angle.
 19. The sole structure of claim 18, wherein the fifth zone is located in the midfoot region and is closer to the medial edge than to the lateral edge.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the third angle is substantially perpendicular to the ground plane. 